S.J. syringe exchange wins praise

11:27 PM,
Oct. 8, 2012

Genny Fulco, a syringe exchange coordinator, talks with an unidentified drug addict at a mobile needle exchange facility in 2008. According to a report released Friday, more than 2,100 people in the exchange program entered drug treatment in 2011 alone.

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When former New Jersey Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts of Camden convinced his colleagues to approve a needle exchange program in 2006, the city he represented became one of five pilot municipalities to undertake the initiative.

Six years later, the Department of Health recommends continuing the program in Camden, Atlantic City, Jersey City, Newark and Patterson.

It cites 10,000 residents of those cities who have reduced HIV and hepatitis C risk through the needle exchange as well as accessing other health and social services. ...